Laborers in the Vineyard
Laborers
in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) is a parable that tells of a landowner
who hired laborers for his vineyard at an agreed daily wage. Some he engaged
early in the day, some later and some barely an hour before sunset. But
he gave them all the same wage regardless of the hours that they had worked,
paying off first those whom he hired last. The ones who had worked all
day protested, but in vain. The owner then said, “I am not being unfair
to you. You agreed on the usual wage for the day, did you not?” “I choose
to give the last man the same as you. Surely I am free to do what I like
with my own money? Why be jealous because I am generous?” (Matt. 20: 14-15)
‘So the last will be first, and the first last’ in the kingdom of Heaven.
(Matt. 20: 16).
See:
Rembrandt. The
Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.
